Synonyms

litmus test

American

noun

Chemistry. the use of litmus paper or solution to test the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
a crucial and revealing test in which there is one decisive factor.

litmus test British

noun

a test to establish the acidity or alkalinity of a mixture
a critical indication of future success or failure

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of litmus test

First recorded in 1955–60; so called from chemical tests in which litmus or litmus paper is an indicator

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Next week brings one of the markets most crucial litmus tests of the artificial-intelligence trade, when chip maker Nvidia reports earnings on Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We are removing litmus tests, not adding them.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Olympic qualification doesn’t involve a political litmus test—only citizenship, sportsmanship and skill.

From The Wall Street Journal

Still, many wondered if the Lakers’ litmus test would come from facing the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.

From Los Angeles Times

The outcome of the first case will serve as a litmus test of jury reaction to evidence presented by the plaintiffs about whether the companies should be held liable.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023